Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to undergo a potential overhaul in its retention rules ahead of the 2025 season. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially announce any changes, media reports suggest that franchises are still negotiating the number of retentions allowed.Amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is determined to retain the services of legendary wicket-keeper batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni, regardless of the number of retentions granted. According to Cricbuzz, CSK is willing to retain Dhoni even if he is placed in the "uncapped" category, a move that would significantly reduce his salary cap hit.Dhoni has been an integral part of CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Under his leadership, the franchise has won five IPL titles. Despite stepping down as captain in 2024, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the team's success.Meanwhile, Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has praised the transformative impact of former India captain Virat Kohli on Test cricket in the country. Ponting believes that Kohli's aggressive approach and belief in his team's ability to win overseas have inspired a new generation of Indian batters.Ponting also lauded the contributions of former head coach Rahul Dravid, who guided India to the T20 World Cup title in 2022. Dravid's tenure saw India continue to excel in Test cricket, with memorable victories in challenging conditions abroad.Under Kohli's captaincy, India became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. His absence during the 2020-21 series due to the birth of his daughter did not deter the team, which rallied under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane to secure a historic 2-1 series victory.

Suresh Raina's unwavering faith in MS Dhoni's cricketing prowess and leadership abilities was evident in a recent podcast interview. When asked who he would choose as his batting partner in a hypothetical scenario where his team needed 20 runs in the final over, Raina responded without hesitation: "MS Dhoni."Raina's unwavering trust in Dhoni stems from their long-standing camaraderie as teammates in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Indian national team. Despite Dhoni's recent retirement from international cricket, Raina believes that the legendary captain still has much to offer, particularly in mentoring the next generation of cricketers.Dhoni's decision to pass on the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024 signaled a transition within the team. However, Raina, who retired alongside Dhoni in 2020, believes that Dhoni should continue for one more season to guide Gaikwad and help him develop his leadership skills.Raina's faith in Dhoni's abilities is not unfounded. Despite battling a knee injury during the last IPL season, Dhoni adapted to a finisher's role, contributing crucial runs lower down the order. His 161 runs in 14 matches came at an astonishing strike rate of 220.25, proving that the "Thala" still has the ability to make a significant impact on the game.As the IPL approaches its mega players' auction for the 2025 season, Dhoni's future remains uncertain. However, Dhoni has stated that he will wait to see the auction rules, particularly concerning player retention, before making a decision. "It needs to be in the best interest of the team (CSK)," Dhoni remarked.Raina's unwavering belief in Dhoni's abilities and his desire for Dhoni to continue playing for one more season highlight the deep bond and respect between the two former teammates. Dhoni's experience, leadership, and ability to adapt to different roles make him an invaluable asset to any team, and Raina's unwavering support is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of cricket's greatest captains.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recently shared a viral image on social media featuring their iconic duo, MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, enjoying a moment at a farm. The image has sparked excitement among fans, who have been speculating about the future of these two stalwarts in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in IPL history, has led CSK to a record-equalling five titles. Jadeja, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer for the franchise, known for his all-around abilities. Both players have been integral to CSK's success over the years.The image shared by CSK shows Jadeja taking a selfie with Dhoni standing in the background. The caption reads, "Imagine Thala & Thalapathy in this field together!" Thala and Thalapathy are affectionate nicknames given to Dhoni and Jadeja, respectively.The original picture was shared by Jadeja on Instagram earlier this month, with the caption "Homeland." The image was taken at his farm, showcasing the bond between the two players.Dhoni has captained CSK to ten finals in their first 14 IPL seasons, winning five titles. He has played in every single edition for CSK, except for two seasons when the franchise was banned from the IPL. While Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain, there is no doubt that he still has a few seasons left in him.Jadeja, on the other hand, has pulled out of the upcoming edition of the Duleep Trophy, where he was set to be part of Team 'B'. This decision has raised questions about his availability for the next IPL season.The image shared by CSK has reignited speculation about the future of Dhoni and Jadeja with the franchise. Fans are eager to see the duo continue their successful partnership in the IPL. However, with both players nearing the end of their careers, it remains to be seen how long they will continue to play at the highest level.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Uncertain, Suresh Raina Advocates for Continued MentorshipThe Indian Premier League (IPL) is eagerly awaiting the return of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni, but doubts linger over his participation in the upcoming season. However, Dhoni's close friend and former teammate Suresh Raina believes that the veteran should continue playing for at least one more year to guide young captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.Raina, who retired from international cricket in 2020, expressed his admiration for Dhoni's batting prowess during the last IPL season. "I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, considering how he batted last year," Raina said. "I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad needs one more year, the way he captained and a lot of things were said after the loss to RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru). However, Ruturaj has done a great job."Dhoni, who handed over the CSK captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024, has been troubled by a knee injury in recent times. Despite this, he played a crucial role as a finisher, scoring 161 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 220.25.The IPL will hold a mega players' auction ahead of the 2025 season, and Dhoni is expected to make a decision on his future after the auction rules on player retention are announced. "We have to see what decision they take on player retention, etc...So once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team (CSK)," Dhoni had said earlier.Raina's comments highlight the importance of Dhoni's experience and leadership for the CSK franchise. Gaikwad, who led the team to the IPL final in 2023, is still relatively inexperienced as a captain. Dhoni's continued presence would provide invaluable guidance and support for the young skipper.

MS Dhoni's Future in Cricket Remains Uncertain Amidst Retirement SpeculationsFormer Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni's future in cricket has become a topic of intense speculation among fans. The 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has been battling knee pain and has stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad.Dhoni's performance in IPL 2024 raised concerns about his fitness and longevity. He struggled with his batting, often batting lower down the order, and his fielding was noticeably slower. These factors have led to questions about whether he will continue playing for CSK in IPL 2025.However, Dhoni has remained tight-lipped about his retirement plans. He is currently enjoying time with his family and friends in his hometown of Ranchi. Recently, he was spotted at a local dhaba with a group of friends, showcasing his humble and down-to-earth nature.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Dhoni's legacy in cricket remains unblemished. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains and wicketkeepers of all time, leading India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.Young Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed recently paid tribute to Dhoni's mentorship and guidance. Ahmed recalled an incident in New Zealand where Dhoni handed him a bouquet of flowers and asked him to bowl the first over in an Asia Cup match. Ahmed expressed his admiration for Dhoni, calling him his "guru" and crediting him for his success as a bowler.As Dhoni's future remains uncertain, fans eagerly await any news regarding his retirement decision. Whether he chooses to continue playing or hang up his boots, his impact on cricket will be forever etched in the annals of the sport.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanath has dismissed rumors that the franchise requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate a scrapped rule to acquire MS Dhoni at a reduced price. Previously, international players who had retired for five years were classified as "uncapped" in the IPL, allowing them to be acquired at a lower cost. However, this rule was abolished after the 2021 IPL season.Reports emerged that CSK sought the reintroduction of this rule to retain Dhoni as an "uncapped" player, potentially reducing his salary to as low as Rs 4 crore. The franchise had previously retained Dhoni for Rs 12 crore in 2022.However, Viswanath has denied these claims, stating, "We've not requested for it. They (the BCCI) have themselves told us that the 'uncapped player rule' may be kept, that's all. They (the BCCI) haven't announced anything as yet. The rules and regulations will be announced by the BCCI."The uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's future in the IPL persists ahead of the upcoming mega auction. The 43-year-old has remained silent on his participation in IPL 2025, fueling speculation about his retirement.If Dhoni decides to retire, CSK will face a dilemma. Retaining him as a player would consume one of the limited slots available before the auction. However, the franchise is reluctant to part ways with the legendary cricketer, who has led them to five IPL titles.CSK's decision will be influenced by Dhoni's performance in the upcoming season. If he continues to perform at a high level, the franchise may consider retaining him. However, if his form declines, they may opt to release him to free up a slot for a younger player.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a significant move that could impact the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. According to sources, the BCCI is likely to categorize Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an uncapped player, a move that would significantly reduce the cost of retaining the legendary cricketer.Under the current IPL player regulations, players who have retired from international cricket for at least five years are placed in the uncapped category. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, would qualify for this category under the proposed rule change. This means that CSK could retain Dhoni for a mere Rs 4 crores, a significant reduction from the Rs 12 crores they paid in 2022.The BCCI's decision to revisit the uncapped player rule is reportedly driven by the CSK management's request during a meeting with IPL franchise owners on July 31. Dhoni, who has been a key figure for CSK since the inaugural IPL season, has expressed his desire to continue playing for the franchise.Despite handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of IPL 2024, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the CSK batting lineup. In the 2023 season, he scored 161 runs in just 73 balls, showcasing his ability to contribute in the death overs.Dhoni has indicated that he will wait for the official IPL player regulations before making a decision on his future. However, the BCCI's move to categorize him as an uncapped player could make it more financially feasible for CSK to retain his services.The BCCI's decision is expected to have a ripple effect on other IPL franchises, as it could set a precedent for the treatment of retired international players. It remains to be seen how the other teams will respond to this potential rule change and whether it will lead to a shift in the retention strategies of the franchises.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Chennai Super Kings, is currently on a break after a grueling IPL 2024 season that saw his team narrowly miss the playoffs. Speculation has been rife about Dhoni's future in the IPL, especially after his limited batting role in the tournament.In the IPL 2024, Dhoni was primarily used as a finisher, batting in the latter overs. CSK coach Stephen Fleming attributed this to a muscle injury that prevented him from batting for longer periods. Despite his limited batting, Dhoni continued to keep wickets for CSK, but his future in the IPL remains uncertain.Amidst the speculation, Dhoni has been enjoying a vacation with his wife Sakshi and daughter Zeeva. However, sources close to CSK have revealed that Dhoni is planning a trip to London for treatment of his muscle tear injury. The sources indicated that Dhoni will make a decision about his future after recovering from the surgery.CSK's elimination from the IPL 2024 playoffs after a heartbreaking defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru has further fueled the retirement rumors. However, sources have stated that Dhoni will only decide on his retirement after undergoing surgery in London. The recovery process is expected to take five to six months.Dhoni's future in the IPL has been a topic of discussion for several years, with many fans and experts believing that he is nearing the end of his illustrious career. However, Dhoni has repeatedly stated his desire to continue playing as long as he is fit and enjoying the game.The upcoming surgery and recovery period will provide Dhoni with an opportunity to assess his physical condition and make an informed decision about his future. If he decides to continue playing, he will likely return to the IPL in 2025, potentially for a different franchise.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's leadership qualities have been a revelation for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Despite the presence of seasoned veterans like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane, Gaikwad has seamlessly taken the reins and guided the team with aplomb.Prior to the tournament, CSK announced a captaincy change, with Dhoni handing over the baton to Gaikwad. The decision raised eyebrows, given the young player's relative inexperience. However, Gaikwad has proven to be a natural leader, earning the respect and admiration of his teammates."I felt good right from the start," Gaikwad said of his captaincy challenge. "I am very approachable for all teammates whenever needed, and they always support the team in whatever way the team requires."Gaikwad's leadership style is characterized by calmness and composure, reminiscent of Dhoni's own approach. He credits Dhoni for teaching him the importance of remaining neutral in the face of adversity."Being neutral is something that I have learned from Mahi bhai," Gaikwad said. "Not getting too excited about anything or being down by anything is the right approach that I have picked up."Gaikwad's on-field demeanor has also impressed observers. He maintains a level-headed approach, whether the team is winning or losing."While batting, irrespective of being captain or not, my approach is always the same," Gaikwad explained. "You cannot plan to become leaders, so being good team players and putting the team first will always stand a good chance to be one."Gaikwad's leadership has been instrumental in CSK's success in IPL 2024. The team has displayed a newfound unity and determination under his guidance, proving that age and experience are not the only factors that determine a successful captain.